Harbhajan leads Punjab fightback

Saurashtra bowled out for 170, visitors require 304 to win on final day

Harbhajan Singh led from the front as his four-wicket haul brought Punjab right back into the match on the penultimate day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Saurashtra here on Saturday.

Harbhajan grabbed four for 60 -- his best figures in the current Ranji season -- as Saurashtra were bowled out for a paltry 170 which meant Punjab needed 349 in 109 overs to win. The hosts had gained a commendable 178-run lead in the first innings.

At stumps on day four, the visitors were 45 for two, needing another 304 runs. In-form players Jiwanjot Singh and Taruwar Kohli were dismissed by left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat.

Punjab made a spirited comeback after being dismissed for 299 in the first innings with Harbhajan opening the bowling alongside Siddharth Kaul, who snapped three for 53.

It was the senior spinner who removed the stodgy veteran Shitanshu Kotak (53), Aarpit Vasavada (6) and Kamlesh Makvana in one of his spells as Saurashtra from a relatively comfortable position of 102 for one lost seven wickets for the addition of 28 runs.

Harbhajan got appreciable turn and bounce as none of the Saurashtra batsmen looked comfortable during the 26 overs that he sent down.Score board